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Tennessee Tech-Iowa Capsule

September 2nd, 2011 by Jim Field

By The Associated Press
Tennessee Tech (0-0) vs. Iowa (0-0), 11 a.m. (BTN)
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Saturday’s opener will allow junior James Vandenberg to settle
into his new role as the Hawkeyes starting quarterback. Iowa also
has six new starters on defense, which won’t have much time to gel
with a trip to Iowa State looming. The most important thing for the
Hawkeyes will be to survive the game without any major injuries.
Tennessee Tech is hoping to push for the Ohio Valley title, and a
decent showing against a Big Ten team could help them do just that.
KEY MATCHUP
Tennessee Tech’s front seven vs. Iowa RB Marcus Coker. Coker is
one of the more physical backs in the country, and the Golden
Eagles won’t likely see anyone like him all year. The Hawkeyes will
have an easy afternoon if they can just give it to Coker between
the tackles and let he and his offensive line march down the field.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Iowa: WR Keenan Davis. It’s now or never for Davis, who’s in
line to be the Hawkeyes’ second option next to star Marvin McNutt.
Tennessee Tech: WR Tim Benford. He ranks second in school
history with 151 receptions and is third with 2,174 yards
receiving.
FACTS & FIGURES
Iowa has won its last 10 openers by an average of 31.5 points
and is 17-4 at Kinnick Stadium since 2008…Tennessee Tech’s alumni
include Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith, who spent 12 seasons with
the Golden Eagles from 1987-98…The Hawkeyes could have as many as
eight new starters, including Davis and safety Collin Sleeper.